The practical (road) driving test is your final exam on the road – it’s where you show you can drive safely, legally, and confidently. Here’s a full breakdown of what happens, how it’s assessed, what examiners look for, and ways to maximise your chances.
🔍 What Happens During the Test
Your practical test is divided into several parts:
- Eyesight Check
- You’ll be asked to read a number plate from a set distance (20 metres for newer style plates; slightly longer for older ones).
- If you can’t read the plate, the test ends immediately.
- ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Safety Questions
- “Tell me” question: asked before you start driving – about how a car system works (e.g. brakes, lights).
- “Show me” question: asked while driving – you’ll be asked to demonstrate a safety check (e.g. selecting a control).
- General Driving Ability
- You’ll drive through different road and traffic conditions (urban, rural, dual carriageways), following the examiner’s instructions.
- You may be asked to pull over and rejoin traffic, e.g. from behind parked vehicles or at junctions.
- A hill start may also be required.
- Reversing & Manoeuvres
The examiner will ask you to perform one of several possible manoeuvres, such as:- Parallel parking
- Parking in a bay (driving in then reversing out, or reversing in / driving out)
- Pulling up on right, reversing back ~2 car lengths, and rejoining traffic
- Independent Driving
- For about 20 minutes, you’ll drive by following either traffic signs or a sat nav (provided by the examiner).
- If you can’t see signs (e.g. blocked by foliage), the examiner will guide you verbally.
- If you make a wrong turn, you won’t be automatically failed – the examiner will help you return to the route.
⏱ Duration & Special Cases
- Standard test length: ~40 minutes of driving.
- Extended test: ~70 minutes, for cases like post-ban re-test.
🥇 Pass Criteria & Faults Overview
- The test includes driving faults (minor), serious faults, and dangerous faults.
- You pass if you have no serious or dangerous faults, and 15 or fewer minor faults.
- A single serious or dangerous fault means the test fails immediately.
- Excessive minor faults (i.e. 16 or more) also fail you.
- Your examiner will tell you your result and feedback at the end.
🧠 Instructor Tips (From Real Experience)
- Familiarise yourself with common test routes if possible – but more importantly, practise under varying conditions.
- For independent driving, practice using sat nav in lessons so you’re comfortable with navigation while driving.
- Before test day, visualise handling junctions, manoeuvres, and problem scenarios (blind spots, pedestrian crossings).
- On test day, stay calm – mistakes may happen; what matters is how you recover safely.
⚠ Common Mistakes Learners Make
| Mistake | Why It Costs a Fault / Fail | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Poor observation at junctions | Missing side traffic or hazards | Control your speed, look where you want to go, and steer smoothly |
| Jerky or uncontrolled steering | Always look left, right, and ahead, and use mirrors before moving | Getting lost, making last-minute turns |
| Signalling incorrectly or too late | Confusion for others, positioning errors | Signal in good time, but not excessively long |
| Incorrect lane discipline | Shows a lack of control, especially in manoeuvres | Return to the left when safe; don’t linger in overtaking positions |
| Poor independent driving | Getting lost, making last-minutes turns | Practice route types, follow signs ahead, don’t rush turns |
📋 Pre-Test Checklist
- Recognise and practise all required manoeuvres (parallel park, bay park, reverse, etc.)
- Practice independent driving with a sat nav and sign following
- Do mock tests under test conditions (time pressure, examiner-style instructions)
- Ensure you can perform “show me, tell me” questions confidently
- Make sure your car meets test requirements (MOT, tax, roadworthy, L-plates if learning)
- Arrive early and familiarise yourself with the test centre and vehicle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if I take a wrong turn during the test?
A: You won’t fail immediately. The examiner will guide you back to the correct route (unless the error leads to dangerous or illegal behaviour).
Q: Is motorway driving part of the test?
A: No — motorways are not included in the test. However, accidentally entering a motorway and doing so incorrectly might be faulted.
Q: What if I can’t see traffic signs due to obstruction (e.g. trees)?
A: The examiner may tell you which direction to follow until signs become visible again. You won’t automatically fail for that.
Q: Can others sit in the car during the test (e.g. your instructor)?
A: Yes, usually. The examiner will ask if anyone wants to sit in for the result/feedback. Observers must be over 16 and must not assist you.
📚 Attribution & Official Sources
Some content here is informed by DVSA / GOV.UK official driving test rules. FQ Driving Academy is not affiliated with DVSA. For full, up-to-date official details:
- GOV.UK – Driving Test: What Happens During the Test
- DVSA test marking, faults, and rules pages
